Peer Support: Empowered by Experience

I was introduced to peer support through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). My mother and I attended an education meeting for families, caregivers, and peers. I learned that a peer was a consumer or an individual who received services. Little did I know that I would mentor and counsel my peers one day.

I became a certified peer specialist to help others

My therapist encouraged me to become a certified peer specialist (CPS) which is a mental health support person in Georgia. I didn't get into the training the first time. So, I kept applying until I did. In 2012 I became a CPS through the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network. My connection to them, as well as NAMI, has given me insight into the recovery movement and community of peers.

Under NAMI's recovery umbrella, I took on many leadership roles within the organization. I am a former state board member and trainer. I appreciate NAMI for sharing the wealth of information and allowing me to connect with my peers and network with others.

Supporting each other is a way of life

Peer support is more than a self-help group it's a way of life. Everyday I practice self-care rituals in addition to medication management. I've learned from peers what recovery could look like. Sharing coping strategies is an instinct that we embrace as we provide support to each other.

My peers taught me coping skills

I recycle several wellness tools, some that I picked up from peers. My coping techniques incorporate stress reduction activities including meditation, exercising, listening to motivational talks, and reciting affirmations to remind myself of the resiliency efforts that I continue to hone daily.

Despite everyday stressors and any medical setbacks I know I can receive support from peers be it in self-help groups, hospitalization, or priceless suggestions. Now I model recovery at work though my wellness and experience of the mind wars and overcoming crisis.

What does a certified peer specialist do?

My job as a CPS is to train and support peers in developing more coping skills and information on their diagnosis. I utilize my experience in the storms and my own wellness journey as a vehicle to drive myself to assist peers in coping mechanisms.

Working as a CPS is empowering. I'm progressing in self-discovery and teaching lessons through my lived-experience. My recovery journey began in 2007 when I was diagnosed with schizophrenia. However, my diagnosis has changed to schizoaffective disorder which helps me empathize with others and the many symptoms of mental health conditions.

My favorite mental health interventions

Some of the interventions I use to empower my peers include Mary Ellen Copeland's Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and the Whole Health Action Management (WHAM) teachings. These are evidence-based practices are recognized by health insurance providers as effective interventions. WRAP is an informal psychiatric advance directive which helps peers identify warning signs, triggers, and crisis planning.

WHAM educates us on healthy lifestyle habits such as the importance of keeping doctor appointments and asking healthcare professionals questions. Healthy eating habits, restful sleep tips, staying connected with others, and relaxation techniques are a few of the 10 whole health and resiliency factors.

Helping others helps me, too

I'm passionate about my career because by modeling and teaching recovery principles I am enhancing my recovery journey and the lives of peers. I hope my job description is an eye-opener to you and will motivate you to either become a CPS or work with a CPS.

Where will I find a CPS?

The position of a CPS can be seen on treatment teams for Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams, Community Oriented Recovery and Empowerment (CORE) agencies, or in peer-led centers that offer individual and group peer support, which are billable through state health insurance companies.

Whenever you want to learn more about the recovery movement and CPS position I encourage you to get involved with NAMI and to embrace the CPS role.